There seemed to be a trace of envy in Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis' voice when he talked about the strengths of the Toronto Raptors, a team making a serious push to qualify for the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs.

After Toronto's 106-100 victory Monday night at Target Center, which stretched the Wolves' losing streak to 13 games, Rambis didn't try to hide his admiration for a team with "talented guards, good pick-setters and big men who can shoot."

The combination reminded Rambis and his staff that the Wolves (14-57) still have trouble with their halfcourt defense — particularly against tall forwards or centers who would rather shoot jumpers than post up in the lane. And why not, when 6-foot-10 forwards Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu and 7-foot center Andrea Bargnani can make those shots?

"When you have guys that size who can move around like that, and handle the ball, it's tough to defend a team like that," Wolves guard Jonny Flynn said.

Turkoglu and Bargnani hit key shots late in the fourth quarter to frustrate the Wolves' defense and the Target Center crowd of 14,554. The clutch shooting spoiled a take-charge performance by Flynn, who scored six of the Wolves' final eight points to keep the team within reach.

Turkoglu knocked down a three-point shot, then maneuvered through the Wolves' defense for a layup. In between his baskets, Bargnani hit a jumper.

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Perhaps distracted with Bosh, an all-star and one of the elite free agents going on the market at the end of the season, the Wolves were unable to keep track of Turkoglu and Bargnani, who finished with 19 points and four assists. Turkoglu scored five of his 10 points in the fourth quarter.

"Our halfcourt defense let us down tonight," Rambis said. "All three of their big guys are very capable scorers. If everybody is not in sync on defense, somebody's going to be open. When you're behind, you have to get stops."

Toronto shot 60 percent from the floor in the second half and then made 11 of 18 shots in the fourth quarter. Backup guard Jarrett Jack sparked the Raptors' offense with eight assists, and Turkoglu and guard Jose Calderon each had six.

Monday's critical road win moved the Raptors (35-34) into a tie with Charlotte for the East's seventh playoff spot.

The Wolves had a slim chance with 17.8 seconds left but could not get off a quality shot after a timeout. Trailing 104-100, Kevin Love was forced to fire up a three-pointer a few steps beyond the arc with 6.9 seconds left. The faulty execution symbolized the Wolves' troubles most of the season to make an impact play on offense or defense.

"What's more important to me is when things don't go well for guys," Rambis said. "When guys take a shot and feel they were fouled, they just have to keep playing. They have to fight through it. It's part of the learning process. It's not going to work out when you stop playing hard and hang your head."

Toronto's execution was so effective that the Raptors didn't need Bosh to secure the win. Bosh did not score after his jumper put the Raptors up 90-82 with 5:55 remaining in the fourth quarter. The six-year veteran still led the Raptors with 21 points and 10 rebounds and gave fans a chance to ponder how he would look in a Wolves uniform next season.

Along with Cleveland's LeBron James and Miami's Dwyane Wade, Bosh will be one of the more sought-after free agents in the offseason. Bosh entered Monday's game averaging 24.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

If the Wolves target Bosh in free agency, team management and fans might get more opportunities to evaluate him in the playoffs. Barring a major breakdown over the final three weeks of the regular season, the Raptors are in a good position to secure a playoff spot.